SETTING THE SCENE

Winners in five of the six games, the Oklahoma City Thunder are hosting the Denver Nuggets. With a win, the Thunder will own first place in the Western Conference.

The Denver Nuggets started the season off 9-1 but are only 3-6 in their last nine games.

Oklahoma City has split with the Nuggets at the Peake over the last two seasons in the post-KD era.

The Thunder are 2-0 on the second night of a back-to-back.

Oklahoma City beat the Charlotte Hornets 109-104 last night in their first night of the back-to-back.

It’s the first game against Northwest Divisional foes for the Thunder. Denver is 2-0 against the division.

FOLLOWING THE ACTION

You can catch the radio on Oklahoma City’s WWLS, 98.1 FM. Matt Pinto will be your play-by-play voice. If you’re in Tulsa, catch it on 1450 AM.

Chris Fisher and Michael Cage call the game on the Thunder’s flagship station, Fox Sports Oklahoma. You can watch the game there, catch it on NBA League Pass, or use the Fox Sports App (If you’re in Oklahoma).

SCOUTING THE NUGGETS

The Denver Nuggets are 12-7 this season, fifth in the Western Conference.

In their last 10 games, the Nuggets are 4-6.

The Nuggets are also on a back-to-back. They found themselves beating the Orlando Magic 112-87.

After losing six of seven, the Nuggets have won back-to-back games.

All-time against the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City is 98-79.

Since the Thunder moved from Seattle, the Thunder are 21-18 against Denver.

When the games are played at the ‘Peake, Oklahoma City is 14-7 against the Nuggets.

In their last 10 games at home, the Thunder are 8-2 against Denver.

Last season, the Nuggets won the regular season series against Oklahoma City 3-1, with the Thunder won in Oklahoma City.

The Thunder’s largest margin of victory over Denver came on Feb. 22, 2015, where Oklahoma City prevailed by a score of 119-94 (25-point margin of victory).

Meanwhile, the Thunder’s largest margin of defeat (29 points) vs. Denver occurred during a 90-119 loss on March 3, 2010.

THUNDER INJURY REPORT

Andre Roberson (ruptured patellar tendon) is out

Terrance Ferguson (ankle sprain) is out.

Hamidou Diallo (ankle sprain) is out.

NEXT UP

Oklahoma City will play the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.

Then, the Thunder will wrap up the month against Cleveland on the 28th and the Hawks on the 30th.

Three Keys to the Game

Bench play

The bench is always key. With Schröder most likely starting again, Oklahoma City’s bench is going to need someone to step up and fill the void. Last night, the bench scored 13 points, with Deonte Burton scoring 11 of those. The bench needs to get involved and do its part.

Free throws

Oklahoma City is slowly moving up the rankings. However, their last two have been crashing back to earth scenarios. Oklahoma City has to make free throws if they’re going to win a game, let alone a championship. If they can get over 75 percent, this game is done for.

Block out

The Thunder are the best offensive rebounding team in the NBA. The Nuggets are 1-5 when they’re out rebounded by their opponent. Oklahoma City has to prove and do that tonight. We saw last night where the Hornets were able to rebound and stay in the contest. Oklahoma City has to find a way to rebound and put this game out of reach.